At HDMZ, we’re in the business of blending science and storytelling. However, it’s the people behind the work who bring that fusion to life. Our team includes not just strategists, scientists, creatives, and communicators, but also mountain climbers, watercolorists, martial artists, and gardeners. That mix of interests isn’t just unique, it actually shapes the way we think, collaborate, and create.

One of our favorite ways to celebrate that diversity is through our weekly town hall meetings. Each week, a different team takes the spotlight. Some lead with a game or discuss recent client success stories. Others offer a glimpse into their lives outside work. There’s no pressure, no formality, just a quick peek into each other's worlds beyond work.
In these town halls, we’ve learned that:

  • One of our PR account executives climbs mountains
  • A project manager paints watercolors; another crafts pottery
  • Several team members tend gardens brimming with flowers and produce
  • The VP of media builds an immersive display for the kids in his neighborhood each Halloween
  • Our COO builds intricate Lego sets
  • A PR director is also an amateur photographer whose works have appeared in various publications
  • Our SVP of PR practices and teaches martial arts
  • Several employees across the agency participate in local theatre
  • Our systems reliability manager sings in a choir
  • Our VP of business development is an art and music enthusiast with an extensive classical record collection

These individual stories may seem small, but their impact runs deep. Together, they shape the culture that defines who we are and remind us that we’re not just HDMZ employees — we’re real people with unique perspectives, passions and talents. And those differences don’t just enrich our culture, they strengthen the work we do.

As an HR professional who has spent a great deal of time studying organizational behavior, I’ve learned that a company’s culture isn’t built on flashy perks such as ping-pong tables or snack bars. It’s built in moments like these — when people feel seen, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.

In a business that blends science and storytelling, diversity of thought isn’t just a good thing to have, it’s a strategic advantage. Our most recent Great Place to Work® survey revealed that the most common word employees used to describe HDMZ was “people.” That speaks volumes. It reflects a culture in which people are encouraged to lead, create, and collaborate in ways that make the whole organization stronger.

That culture is also why we’ve been named one of Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Chicago for the last four years — including our recent placement at #20 in 2025. From the quality of the work we deliver for our clients to the rich human tapestry we’ve woven, embracing our differences doesn’t just define who we are, it makes us better — together.